The Flag

When I was in elementary school, we said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.
I remember standing next to my desk.
I remember putting my right hand over my heart.
I remember saying the words that I never understood when I was a little girl.

I probably pronounced them wrong.
I probably said them quickly and rolled some of the sounds together.
It was a morning ritual.
It was not until later that those words were understood.

I remember the day President Kennedy was shot.
I was just a four-year-old little girl.
My mother was visiting a neighbor up the street.
That neighbor got a phone call; I remember the gasp as she listened to the caller.

She quickly turned on the television set, which seemed to take a long time to come on.
My mother hugged our neighbor, her dear friend, and I remember their tears.
My mother grabbed my hand and we walked four driveways down to our house.
My mother immediately turned on our television, which took a long time to come on.

I remember the somber funeral procession through the streets of the nation’s Capitol.
I remember the riderless horse, named Black Jack, with the reversed boots in the stirrups.
I remember the shield in its sheath.
I remember the flag over the casket of the President.

That same flag I would stand for each day of my school age years.
That same flag that soldiers died for, so that I could be free.
That same flag that we always learned should never touch the ground.
That same flag that was trampled underfoot in protest as seen on the evening news.

I have seen that same flag folded 13 times and handed to the mother of a fallen soldier.
I never knew that each fold had a special meaning.
It is assumed that the 13 folds represent the 13 original colonies.
However, that is not what the folds represent.

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day! The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life. The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life. The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world. The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, ‘Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’ The 6th fold is for where people’s hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic. The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born. The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, ‘In God We Trust.’ (http://americanlegionpost598.net)

It was something I saw in a Hurricane Harvey weather report that brought all this to mind.
In the midst of the devastation, there were many rescues.
I saw see people and animals being rescued from vehicles trapped in high water.
One rescue, captured on film, was quite different.

A weatherman from The Weather Channel saw an American flag lying on the ground.
It was next to a palm tree that was broken in pieces on the street.
He picked it up and began to fold it.
With the help of another man, the flag was folded perfectly.

I was touched by this simple act.
He just did this for ratings, someone commented.
People should have taken their flags down before the hurricane, another said.
I had to stop reading the cynical comments and discern why the video touched me.

Perhaps it was because of the childhood memories.
Perhaps it was because Francis Scott Key saw the flag as he wrote our National Anthem.
Perhaps it was because so many died for that flag.
Perhaps it was just a simple act done out of respect.

He has taken me into His banquet hall, and His banner over me is love. (Song of Songs 2:4)

God has a banner that is over me.
It does not look like the flag of any nation.
It is not folded 13 times so that it forms a triangle.
It is a banner of love that envelops me.

That banner of love is tucked inside my heart.
That banner of love is public.
That banner is love declared.
There are no stars on God’s banner but there are stripes that are His wounds of love.

By His wounds (stripes) we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

Do you see God’s banner flying over you?
Do you know what His banner of love represents?
Every stripe, every wound, every drop of blood was for me and you and was given in love.
One day the horse will not be riderless but will hold the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

And the banner will fly.

https://www.facebook.com/TheWeatherChannel/videos/10155766292640921/

2 responses to “The Flag”

1. Wonderful post! I hadn’t seen this; his respect for our flag is to be commended. I was also so impressed with the meaning of the 13 folds. We need to remember this country was founded by many Christians and I feel has been under God’s care all along. But I do wonder what He thinks of us now. Certainly lack of respect for Him and our country’s greatness is seen on many sides. Let’s get back to the respect we used to have and thank God for His numerous blessings.

   Reply

   • Sue,
     I learned a lot about the 13 folds as well. Respect seems to have been forgotten in so many areas of our life. Whenever we can, we must bring it back. Even doing something small speaks volumes.
     Gina

     Reply